Angling Notes: Moves to harmonise regulations and conserve fish stocks

The Quebec government moved this week to harmonise regulations on a section of the Restigouche river that forms the border between Quebec and New Brunswick by requiring the release of grilse and large salmon plus the use of single barbless hooks throughout 2015.

In addition, an announcement was made that all large salmon must be released on the Matane, Ouelle and Grande Rivière from last Monday (opening day) until July 31st.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) also requested anglers to help conserve fish stocks by agreeing to release all salmon and more sea trout in 2015.

The request follows reports that salmon numbers seriously declined last year and, while sea trout were more variable with some rivers performing well, others are showing decline. At present, an average of 78 per cent of salmon and sea trout are released.

The Wye and Taff showed an improvement and are now expected to move out of the “at risk” category by 2019, thanks to a combination of mandatory catch and release, and improvements in habitat and water quality.

There is also cause for concern over sea trout stocks on the at-risk rivers Loughor, Tywi, Taf, Ystwyth and Eastern and Western Cleddau, as well as the “probably at risk” Afan, Tawe, Gwendraeth, Aeron and Seiont.

NRW fisheries adviser Rob Evans said: “There are many pressures on salmon and sea trout these days, including loss of habitat, illegal fishing, low marine survival and a changing climate, but studies have shown the vast majority of released fish survive to spawn successfully. It is vitally important that fish are handled with the utmost care and released as quickly as possible.”

Game Fair in Co Antrim

There is something really cooking at this year’s Shanes Castle Game Fair, Co Antrim, on June 27th-28th, when celebrity chef Emmett McCourt takes centre stage at the fair’s fine food festival.

The announcement follows news of Emmett's win as his book, Feast or Famine, won the best culinary travel book in the world at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in China.

Fair director Albert Titterington said: “I am delighted to confirm Emmett will be showcasing his culinary skills in the Flogas kitchen and will demonstrate many of the skills with a range of exciting dishes.”

The fair is sponsored by TourismNI and Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council (irishgamefair.com).

Fly-fishing on Lough Mask

The sun shone bright across Lough Mask last week yet fly-fishing remained good. Mayfly continue to hatch in fair numbers, coupled with hatches of sedge.

Wet flies were most productive with any of the mayfly and sedge patterns working well. Anglers have begun to experiment in the deep with some success.

Fishery officer Kevin Crowley said: “With settled weather over the next few days, prospects for caenis fishing on Corrib are excellent, while sedge hatches and mayfly should keep trout interested also.

“Fishing will probably be best in the morning and evening, with bright conditions during the day more conducive to having a siesta.”

National Lake Championship

Congratulations to Barry Fox who won the ITFFA National Lake Championship hosted by Garrison and Lough Melvin Anglers Association on Lough Melvin last weekend.

Barry produced an outstanding display to outfox strong opposition to land 14 fish and will now go on to claim his 15th cap for Ireland in next year’s home international on Lough Lein in Killarney.

Results: 1, B Fox; 2, B Shields; 3, P Dignum; 4, R Marshall; 5, G Smith; 6, A Pollock; 7, S O’Loughlin; 8, S McCart; 9, E Shannagher; 10, P Ward. About 350 fish were caught by 128 anglers.

Super catches in Leinster

Replacing the Prosperous Festival with a combination of venues for the new Leinster three-day proved a great success. Sections fished were the Barrow Navigation at Rathangan, Kilcock on the Royal Canal and the Grand Canal at Daingean.

There were super catches on day two with more than 180lb caught. The bream made an appearance at Kilcock. Frank Holding, Liverpool, took full advantage of peg 1 to gather up a net of skimmers for 28lb. Conor Browne’s 19lb 12oz of roach helped him to secure overall winner of the festival.

angling@irishtimes.com